Keeping Things Interesting
Last week, I took some leave. Each year Soldiers earn 30 days of leave at a rate of 2.5 days per month. There is no limit to how much leave we can accrue, but any leave over 60 days that we have outstanding on October 1st is lost. We call it “use or lose” leave. You have to use it by September 30 or you lose anything over 60 days. Typically, everyone starts scrambling in September to take leave to avoid losing it. I had about 10 days of use/lose leave and decided to take it before things get crazy. Before coming to the DC area, using my leave was never a problem. I never had to worry about use or lose. However, the past two years have kept me so busy, I haven’t made the time to take leave as often so it has accrued.
One of the things we did during my leave was to visit the National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport. It’s much bigger than the museum on the National Mall and has more planes as well as the Space Shuttle Enterprise. While we were there, I got a phone call from my branch manager.
“CJ, the guy that took your position in Alabama has decided he wants to go to Alaska instead. Are you still interested in the Alabama assignment?”
Am I interested?! GIVE IT TO ME!! GIVE IT TO ME!! So, in the never-ending sea of change and last minute notifications, I’m back on for Alabama. Let’s recap: Alabama to Netherlands to Korea and now back to Alabama. I can only assume that the next change will send me to Djibouti or Kosovo.
Anyway, I’m pretty sure that this is where I’m going now since I got an official email two days later from the Department of the Army stating that I’m scheduled for the First Sergeant’s Course in October. This is something that all Sergeants First Class and Master Sergeants aspire to and I feel honored to be able to go. There aren’t a lot of 1SG slots in my line of work. Our Corps Command Sergeant Major has put it pretty bluntly that no one will see Sergeant Major without 1SG time. So, when you read 1SG Troy’s posts, understand that he knows what he’s talking about. There aren’t a lot of 1SG slots in the National Guard either.
When I graduated from Basic Training, my father presented me with Command Sergeant Major pin-on rank. He was a Command Master Chief (the Army equivalent) in the Navy. I still have that pin and I’ve worn it under the pocket on my BDUs ever since he gave it to me as motivation. It’s a bit worn, but one day I’ll hopefully have to repaint it and have it pinned on for my next, and final, Army promotion. Assuming a First Sergeant position is just one more step on the ladder toward that goal.
I won’t be specific about when exactly I’m leaving, but it’s coming soon. It seems right around the corner. As the stress builds and things progress, I’ll keep you updated. Hopefully, this will be the last move for a few years. I’m getting a little worn out moving every 18 months to two years like we have been the past three assignments. But, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Back to my leave, I want to add something that Troy actually talked about earlier - military benefits. One of the things we did also on leave was to visit Williamsburg, VA for a few days. While we were there, we went to Water Country USA. The park is one of the many Anheiser-Busch attractions throughout the country. They have a program called Hero Salute that is part of the America Supports You team. America Supports You is also the sponsor of the annual Freedom Walks. Anyway, Anheiser-Busch allows military members and up to four family members into one of their parks COMPLETELY FREE each year. That’s almost $181 I saved in ticket prices. If we had chosen to go to Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, we would have saved $261 in ticket prices. Multiply that by all the service members taking advantage of this offer and it’s costing them a LOT of money. Well, maybe not since I paid $40 for lunch!! I wish I were a beer drinker. I know where my loyalty would lie.
LL
August 9th, 2007 at 8:11 pmWOO-HOO!! I’M GONNA MAKE MY DAD TAKE YOU FISHING!!!
Terri
August 9th, 2007 at 8:17 pmCJ, I’m glad to hear that Alabama is back on. I’m sure that it’s a BIG relief to Emily. Keep us posted.
Kathi
August 9th, 2007 at 8:33 pmGreat news,CJ!!
MissBirdlegs in AL
August 9th, 2007 at 8:50 pmI’ll make a pan of cornbread… :)
White Rose
August 9th, 2007 at 9:07 pmCJ,
Please email me and let me know when you move. I live in Lucedale, MS now. That is only an hour away from Mobile. Maybe we all can get together some time. My Dad and I have a pond and a bit of land that I know your daughter would love to run around in and maybe do some fishing.
Sharon M
August 9th, 2007 at 9:21 pmCONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! I am so glad you got the position you wanted. But then, I had no doubt it would come through for you :-)
Sharon M
Troy
August 9th, 2007 at 9:42 pmCJ, you have written before about becoming Top and you will soon find that everything you anticipate and expect it to be will be that and then some. I have been a 1SG going on 5 years and have been reluctant to even be a Sergeant Major because I like what I do as a 1SG and the ability to still influence soldiers directly. The level of respect shown to you by all soldiers will multiply ten fold. Recently while attending the Army Birthday Ball I had some 2-star General buying me drinks and refusing to let me pay for my own. When I asked him why he was doing this after like the 3rd one, he told me it was because I was the man, I was a “Top” and it was the least he could do for me knowing what I put up with. Now this is a guy that has been, could be or may one day be a Division Commander. If he ever does command a Division, I think he will have one squared away unit with that level of respect towards his NCOs.
Congrats on heading back to Sweet Home Alabama.
Grumpy
August 9th, 2007 at 9:45 pmCJ, GREAT NEWS, I don’t know CJ, it seems the older I get the more true certain things become true to me. Life doesn’t always go the way we planned it. CJ, there is some of this stuff, I don’t worry as long as I don’t understand it. The time to worry is when this nonsense starts to makes sense. I know you have had some tough times this year. But, those very same tough times brought an illusive quality to your life called, wisdom. You continue to be in my prayers, it is time to “move out”.
Grumpy
Chrisntx
August 10th, 2007 at 4:38 amYEAHHHHH!!! I am so glad things worked out like you wanted. Congratulations! God Bless you and remember you are always in our prayers.
Kat in GA
August 10th, 2007 at 10:54 amYIPPEE!!!!!
*starts siniginig:” “SWEET HOME ALABAMA…WHERE THE SKIES ARE SO BLUE…” etc.
ALLONS
August 10th, 2007 at 1:46 pmCJ,
That is Great News!!! Glad to see that you got the assignment you wanted. Things have a way of working out in ways we don’t understand. Or maybe we do? Best of luck a school which should go easy. NOT. But you will make it I have no dought. Also enjoy another MOVE. They are so much FUN.
ALLONS
Donna
August 10th, 2007 at 8:14 pmCJ,
Congratualtions on getting the Alabama assignment! Wow! I think that’s an answer to prayer! This way, you can take your wife and family with you. They are happy I’m sure about that! Please keep us posted!! :)
Miriam
August 10th, 2007 at 8:56 pmCongrats, and Go for it! We know you will, of course.
Moving? Bah, what’s moving! It keeps the house clean and uncluttered. :D Why when I was in high school, I had to pack up all my worldly belongings every 6 months.
Well, ok, I know what you mean. Roots are a nice thing to have too. I can’t believe I’ve been in the same apartment for 4 years. I must be growing moss of something! :D